The San Antonio Spurs have won 24 straight home games against the Warriors since Tim Duncan’s rookie season, an astounding streak they’ll look to extend tonight as they take aim at the best start in franchise history.

The Warriors (8-13) are coming off a 105-100 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. They’ve lost nine straight overall to the Spurs, the latest a 118-98 loss in Oakland last November 30 as Duncan recorded a triple-double performance (15 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists).

With a win tonight, the Spurs can claim their best start in franchise history. They would top the 2007-08 team that lost its 21st game — at Golden State, ironically — after also opening 17-3.

The Spurs won their last game against the New Orleans Hornets a 109-84 blowout in San Antonio. Stephen Curry scored 32 points the last time these two teams met.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense — The Spurs should have enough firepower, entering this game five Spurs players are averaging in double figures.

Defense – Limiting Golden State’s dynamic backcourt duo of Ellis and Curry on offense and controlling the boards will be key for the Spurs.

WARRIORS:

Offense — The bulk of their offense comes from their backcourt. However, they also have an inside game with David Lee and Biedrins in the paint.

PREDICTION: The Spurs have owned the Warriors in past but they have to respect their opponent to avoid any kind of letdown. The Warriors will try their hardest to get back to the win column on the second night of a back-to-back.

However, the Spurs are a veteran team and after a getting some needed rest, they should be ready for this one and extend their winning streak to three games.

The San Antonio Spurs are the only NBA team yet to lose on the road, they are averaging 105.3 points in away games and will try to start another winning streak when they visit the Golden State Warriors tonight at the ORACLE Arena.

Manu Ginobili led the way with 23 points in a 109-95 victory against the New Orleans Hornets last Sunday. San Antonio battled back from a 17-point third quarter deficit after falling to the Dallas Mavericks 103-94 last Friday — their first loss since Oct. 30.

The Spurs (14-2) limited the Hornets to 34 points in the second half and scored a season-high 37 in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors (8-9) ended a five-game losing streak with a 104-94 win at Minnesota on Saturday night. Dorell Wright set a franchise record with nine 3-pointers while scoring a career-high 30 points. He has averaged 21.3 points in his last three games.

David Lee returned to the lineup after missing eight games with a lacerated elbow. He had 10 points and six boards against the Timberwolves.

Monta Ellis averaged 38.7 points in three games against the Spurs last season, and has scored 30 points a game at home this year. San Antonio has gone 39-5 against the Warriors with Tim Duncan in the lineup.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense — Duncan has to set the tone on offense and open the lane for Ginobili, Parker, and Jefferson’s dribble penetrations. George Hill, Gary Neal and Matt Bonner should give the Spurs the needed spark from the bench.

Defense – Limit Ellis on offense, control the boards and close out of the Warrior’s outside shooters.

WARRIORS:

Offense — Their offense starts with Ellis and he will have plenty of help with Lee on the inside and Wright and Curry on the wings.

Defense — Besides containing Duncan on the inside, they have to limit Ginobili, Parker, Jefferson and Hill’s dribble drives and kick outs.

INJURIES

Spurs — James Anderson – stress fracture (out)

Warriors — No Significant Injuries.

PREDICTION: The Spurs may have the Warriors’ numbers but they cannot take them lightly. The Warriors have definitely improve from last season and are 5-2 at home.

The team that dictates the tempo of the game and plays better defense will win it. I’m picking the Spurs to win it by 10 points or less.